We 're counting: Hahei Beach

Bill working away. Part of the lovely gardens.

We are parked up at the back of Sam &Pauline's property which is lovely with the surrounding gardens which I have been spending time in to keep myself busy. It's lovely after quite a break from doing any garden, but obviously my hands have gone a bit soft with getting blisters after the first day. Bills days are full of either painting or Takeaways at the Hahei Store.

Hahei General Store Company Cars

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove Walk - Gemstone Bay

Monday we did the lovely walkway over to Cathedral Cove, but with a high tide couldn't get all the way through, will come back & do it again on a low tide & sunnier day. Then had a wet day mid week, which prevented Bill from being able to work, so we headed off to Whitianga for the day and restocked our supplies. Whitianga is another lovely holiday spot on the Coromandle, that is still buzzing with holiday makers and being a sizable town, quite a lot of local residence too. Thursday the neighbours needed someone to come out with them and stay on the boat while they went diving, so Bill & I joined them. A lovely couple from California (she is a Prosecutor & he's ex NZ 20 years ago and is a Landscaper) they come out each summer to Hahei. Oh how the other half live! Obviously not in a bus :) So I was all excited we were going to have crayfish for dinner...... but sadly not. And even Bill fishing while they were down under, wasn't able to catch anything. Surprise, surprise!
With having time to catch up on our own plans, Bill decided he really needs better storage for all his tools & gear, so has put his trailer up for sale & purchased a new one. Check out Trademe 838793742 - plenty of lockers for all his gadgets. Which was fortunately for sale in Tauranga. So we are now the proud owners of two trailers! Anyone looking for a trailer???

Leadfoot Festival 2015

Waitangi Weekend saw the Leadfoot Festival being held at Hahei, which brings in about 8,000 extras over the weekend. Rod Millen who is the organiser (a professional racing driver) & the property owner where he has built a sealed car track from the main road up a sculptured hill & driveway to his home. It is a lovely setting, that is also advertised as a wedding venue ($15,000 to hire in case anyone is interested!) Sam, Bill & I went and spent Sunday afternoon at the event watching the various races, checking out the competitors cars, the spectators hair & fashions. ( there are a few that dress up in the 50's / 60's period). Although I am not normally interested in car racing, I found this event really enjoyable ( and no alcohol was involved either). The variety of cars, styles, different periods they were from, skills of the drivers particularly on the bikes & carts, kept everyone focused on the racing. Prior to the finals, there were 3 war planes doing aerobatics which were amazing. My photo's don't really show the skill these guys have. It was a great day, finished off with a lovely swim at Hahei Beach.